On Tuesday, Create A Healthier Niagara Falls Collaborative introduced a new leadership model powered by four resident "change agents"/co-chairs. Sarah Obot, Brian Archie, Keyona Dunn and Evelyn Harris, all Niagara Falls advocates, will lead change from within. This grassroots, resident-lead effort, is an approach the collaborative members said they hope will foster tangible improvements across the community.

"If we want to improve the health and well-being of our city and its residents, change needs to start with an investment from the community itself," the co-chairs said in a prepared statement. "As committed residents of Niagara Falls, we hope to lead by example and encourage others along the way to step forward and help us make Niagara Falls a healthier place to live, work and play for all."

To kick-off the initiative, the collaborative will host a "Walk the Falls" "friend-raising" event Saturday, Sept. 23. The inaugural bike/run/walk is expected to bring people from across the area together to the waterfront. The goal is to build a greater sense of community among residents over a free meal, activity and family-friendly entertainment. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at the Niagara Hub (630 Main St., Niagara Falls), with the bike/run/walk to Whirlpool State Park starting at 9:45 a.m.

"We hope 'Walk the Falls,' our first of many community events to come, will be a starting point that begins to weave tighter connections between Niagara Falls residents," the co-chairs said. "Evidence proves that a tighter-knit community takes pride in their neighborhoods, which we need to create healthy, positive change. So we hope all residents will consider joining us this Saturday."